California has become the first U.S. state to pass a statewide plastic bag ban measure. The legislation now goes to Governor Brown’s desk to be signed into law.

While cities throughout the state (and in other states) have successfully passed legislation that bans single use plastic bags from grocery stores, no plastic bag ban has succeeded at the state level.

“The California Senate voted 22-15 for the bill, which must be signed into law by Sept. 30 by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, who has not signaled a position on the measure,” reports Reuters.

“Environmentalists have pushed for banning plastic bags, which are cheaper for supermarkets to use than paper bags, but create mountains of trash that is difficult to recycle,” explains Reuters. “In California, there is particular concern that the bags, when swept out to sea, could harm ocean life.”

Once signed into law, grocery stores in California would not be permitted to distribute single-use grocery bags to customers. The measure would also provide money to plastic bag companies in the state so that they could make multiple use plastic bags available for purchase. California state Senator Alex Padilla, who sponsored the bill had proposed similar legislation in recent years that failed to get the votes. And campaigns from the plastic industry said the ban could create job losses for Californians who produce the plastic bags. But Padilla reworked this legislation to include the funding for bag manufacturers, and it seemed to make a difference.

In Los Angeles, where a plastic bag ban is already currently in effect, stores sell paper bags or give customers credit if they bring their own bags.

According to Reuters, more than 10 billion plastic bags are used just in California every year. “Single-use plastic bags not only litter our beaches, but also our mountains, our deserts, and our rivers, streams and lakes,” said Padilla. But with this new measure, that all might change very soon.

It's been a banner week for California with the Supreme Court ruling that Prop 8, which banned gay marriage in the state, was unconstitutional. Another victory in Los Angeles has also earned quite a bit of attention as well: It has become the largest city in the nation to ban plastic bags. So don't plan to put those wedding presents in a plastic bag…

It’s been a banner week for California with the Supreme Court ruling that Prop 8, which banned gay marriage in the state, was unconstitutional. Another victory in Los Angeles has also earned quite a bit of attention as well: It has become the largest city in the nation to ban plastic bags. So, don’t plan to put all those wedding presents in a plastic bag…

Councilmember Huizar said, in a release, “We’ve seen plastic bags clogging our gutters, polluting our rivers and piling up on our beaches. The City of Los Angeles took a stand today for our children to protect our environment, which also sends a strong and clear message to every big city in the nation that they should follow our lead.” The cost of cleaning up plastic bag litter is about $2 million a year, according to the city.

Effective January 1, 2014, the city’s large stores (grossing more than $2 million annually or take up retail space of more than 10,000 square feet) will no longer put your purchases in plastic bags. Smaller stores will have an additional six months to phase out their plastic. Customers can purchase paper bags for 10 cents, or bring their own. The ban doesn’t effect plastic bags offered in produce and bulk food sections.

To help implement the ban, the city will foot the bill for one million reusable shopping bags to be distributed in low-income areas of the city.

Welcome to this week's installment of From Our Friends, our weekly roundup where we highlight some of our favorite posts from the past week and more from our friends and partners around the web. This week's edition includes articles on avoiding GMOs, cleaning without toxic chemicals, what is maca, noisy joints during yoga, a resistance band workout and DIY projects using plastic bags.

Welcome to this week’s installment of From Our Friends, our weekly roundup where we highlight some of our favorite posts from the past week and more from our friends and partners around the web. This week’s edition includes articles on avoiding GMOs, cleaning without toxic chemicals, what is maca, noisy joints during yoga, a resistance band workout and DIY projects using plastic bags.

1. GMOs are bad news. With the current GMO climate, it can be difficult to avoid consuming GMOs and products made using them. Head over to Experience Life to learn how to steer clear of Frankenfood.

2. Spring cleaning is still in the works for many of us. Cleaning up doesn’t have to mean using lots of toxic chemicals to get rid of dirt, grime and bacteria. Check out MightyNest‘s tips for cleaning without toxic chemicals!

3. You may have heard about maca, but what is it exactly? The maca comes from the root of the maca plant which is native to Peru. The root is said to have many benefits including combating fatigue. To learn more about maca, visit Blisstree!

4. Do your joints pop, creak or crack when you practice yoga? These sounds can sometimes be alarming as you stretch and move in and out of poses. There are several theories as to what causes these sounds and differing opinions on whether or not they are cause for concern. To read about noisy joints during yoga, click over to YogiTimes.

5. Switching up your workout routine is a great way to get out of a fitness rut and to keep exercise interesting. Make your lower body fitness routine more interesting by adding resistance bands. Resistance bands are a great way to add intensity to a workout and challenge your muscles. Visit The Organic Whey for a lower body resistance band routine.

6. Somewhere in your home, it is more than likely that you have a surplus of plastic shopping bags. It is well known that these bags take up a lot of landfill space. Instead of tossing your extra plastic bags, get creative and use them for a DIY project. Check out Ecosalon for 10 DIY projects that use plastic bags.

Single-use plastic, like plastic grocery bags, is a scourge on our environment. It pollutes our oceans, it's often not recyclable, and when it does make it to the landfill, it takes hundreds of years to break down. Obviously, avoiding this stuff in the first place is the best option, but when single-use plastic does make it into our lives, the best thing we can do is find ways to divert it from the landfill. One great way you can upcycle plastic is to make fabric from old plastic grocery bags!

Single-use plastic, like plastic grocery bags, is a scourge on our environment. It pollutes our oceans, it’s often not recyclable, and when it does make it to the landfill, it takes hundreds of years to break down. Obviously, avoiding this stuff in the first place is the best option, but when single-use plastic does make it into our lives, the best thing we can do is find ways to divert it from the landfill. One great way you can upcycle plastic is to make fabric from old plastic grocery bags!

I’m sure that most of you bring your own bags when you hit the grocery store, but even with the best of intentions sometimes we forget to bring a bag. Or maybe a friend comes over for supper and brings her contribution in a plastic bag. If you’ve been saving up old plastic grocery bags and weren’t sure how to use them, now’s the time to pull them out and get crafty!

Fusing Plastic – Disclaimer

Fusing plastic bags into fabric is awesome for keeping waste out of the landfill, but it’s not the healthiest craft for your body. Any time you heat plastic, it can off-gas, meaning that it releases harmful chemicals into the air. Protect yourself by doing this project in a well-ventilated area and wearing a paper face mask, if you have one. I actually brought my ironing board and iron outside to do this project, which is ideal if the weather permits.

You’ll also want to let the fabric rest for a few minutes before you close the windows or bring it inside, to give it a chance to finish off-gassing.

Fused plastic also is not self-healing like natural fabrics are. That means that if you pin it, that pin hole is going to be there forever. Instead of pinning your fused plastic when you’re sewing with it, use clothespins or miniature binder clips.

How to Make Plastic Bag Fabric

Materials

4 plastic grocery bags

scissors

iron and ironing board

two large pieces of paper – I used packing paper left over from an Amazon shipment, but you can use craft paper or wax paper, too.

face mask, optional

Directions

1. Cut the bottoms and straps off of the bag and set these aside. These work great as stuffing for homemade crinkle toys, so don’t toss them! The babies and new moms in your life will love you for it.

2. Sandwich the 4 cut bags between two large pieces of paper – large enough to totally cover the plastic. You want to protect your iron and your ironing board, so plastic doesn’t fuse to them!

3. Set your iron on the “polyester” or “rayon” setting, and iron your bags for about 30 seconds, then flip and iron for 20-30 seconds on the other side. Stop, pull the paper aside, and check for bubbles and loose spots on both sides of your fabric. If you have any spots like this, iron for a few more seconds to fully fuse those areas.

4. Trim off any excess plastic, and add that to your stash for stuffing crinkle toys, so you’re left with a nice rectangle of fabric.

Fused Plastic Crafts

That’s it! You’re ready to craft. Need some ideas on how to use your fused plastic fabric? Here are some fun project ideas:

Of course, these are just a few ideas to get you going! Depending on the size of your finished fabric – which really depends on the size of the bags you start with – you can use the fused plastic to make all kinds of fun crafts!

The highly anticipated decision by the city of Los Angeles on whether or not to ban the single use plastic bag from retail stores and restaurants was announced last Wednesday, with an overwhelming 13 to 1 vote in favor of the ban, making Los Angeles the nation's largest city to prohibit plastic bags and the state's 48th city overall, joining San Francisco, San Jose and Long Beach.

The highly anticipated decision by the city of Los Angeles on whether or not to ban the single use plastic bag from retail stores and restaurants was announced last Wednesday, with an overwhelming 13 to 1 vote in favor of the ban, making Los Angeles the nation’s largest city to prohibit plastic bags and the state’s 48th city overall, joining San Francisco, San Jose and Long Beach.

Experts estimate that by keeping the nearly 3 billion plastic bags currently used in the city of Los Angeles out of landfills, residents will also experience fewer environmental pollutants and cleaner oceans. But not everyone agrees. Representatives of plastic bag manufacturing plants suggest the measure could cost many Los Angeles residents their jobs. The 1 nay vote, issued by Councilman Bernard Parks, represents his concern over legal challenges and health concerns over possible food contamination from reusable bags.

Large markets and stores within Los Angeles will have six months and smaller stores will have to the end of 2012 to phase out the plastic bags. This does not count against plastic bags used for produce and bulk items. The same measure also aims to decrease the use of paper bags, as well, which will still be allowed as an option, but stores and restaurants will be required to charge a ten-cent surcharge per bag.

Last year, the county of Los Angeles enforced a ban on plastic bags, which has already taken effect in unincorporated areas of the county, but the measure has been challenged in court.

We hope you have enjoyed our two-week celebration of America's sustainable farmers. We are so excited to meet you all in our online live cooking demo tomorrow! We are also very thankful to have such great friends around the web who have helped us spread the word this week. They've had a great week, too. Check out these awesome articles on exercise, cleaning with essential oils, saying no to plastic bags, natural kids' toys, and a photo of what two-year old fast food looks like. Enjoy, and we'll see you for lunch tomorrow!

We hope you have enjoyed our two-week celebration of America’s sustainable farmers. We are so excited to meet you all in our online live cooking demo tomorrow! We are also very thankful to have such great friends around the web who have helped us spread the word this week. They’ve had a great week, too. Check out these awesome articles on exercise, cleaning with essential oils, saying no to plastic bags, natural kids’ toys, and a photo of what two-year old fast food looks like. Enjoy, and we’ll see you for lunch tomorrow!

1. Want to get tough and have a blast doing it? Try working out like some of the strongest men and women in the world. Read this article about old-time strongpeople from Experience Life.

2. Get rid of those toxic chemicals and learn how to spring clean with fragrant essential oils with this post from The Organic Whey.

3. The hardest part of the Zero Waste Challenge is making a conscious decision and sticking to it. Take the challenge from EcoSalon and just say NO to plastic bags!

4. Check out these great natural toys for your little explorer from MightyNest. We love the tool belt!

5. Want to see what two-year old fast food looks like? Blisstree has all the big chains side by side — and none of their food seems to age. Check it out if you dare.

Any eco-shopper’s adventure to the grocery store or farmer’s market probably isn’t complete without a few handy dandy reusable bags in tow. Good for you, you green-minded shoppers! But did you know that if you don’t wash those reusable bags consistently, you could also be toting around E. coli and other bacteria?

Any eco-shopper’s adventure to the grocery store or farmers market probably isn’t complete without a few handy dandy reusable bags in tow. Good for you, you green-minded shoppers! But did you know that if you don’t wash those reusable bags consistently, you could also be toting around E. coli and other bacteria?

Think about it. Your raw meats and unwashed fruits and veggies are all milling about with each other and rubbing their potential germs all over your beloved bags. Plus, if you’re using those bags to carry around books, thrift store finds and any other bits and pieces you may need to lug around, you’re adding more germs to the mix. And if you’re not washing those reusable bags, that bacteria is just along for the ride.

In fact, researchers found coliform bacteria in half of 84 reusable bags tested in Arizona and California in a 2010 study conducted by the American Chemistry Council. The study also found the dreaded E. coli in 12 percent of the bags and some form of bacteria in all but one of the bags. Eeesh.

Even worse, these bacteria can live on the bags for hours, or even days. But you don’t have to revert back to the dreaded plastic bag (please don’t!). Follow these four easy tips to keep your reusable bags squeaky clean (naturally, of course).

1. Toss them in the laundry. Easy schmeasy. Just add your cloth reusable bags to your regular laundry and that’ll get rid of all that bad bacteria.

2. Wipe ‘em clean. If you own reusable bags made from a plastic material, spray them with a solution of vinegar and water, let the mixture soak in and then wipe them clean. The vinegar will kill any bacteria that might be hanging around.

3. Air dry. After you get home from the store, let your bags air out (unless they’re headed straight for the washing machine). Don’t just stuff them in a closet. Moisture and warm air will just encourage bacteria to grow. Instead, hang them in a well-ventilated area to dry.

4. Keep items separate. Use specific bags for meats and others for produce. Keeping your foods separate will prevent cross contamination. If you’re buying meat, you should always wash the bag after each use.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American creates about 1,600 pounds of trash per year. That's nearly half a trillion pounds of garbage turning our Purple Mountain Majesties into Festering Piles of Filth every year! Recycling is not enough… we can do more, and it's easier than you think to reframe the problem of waste, making choices that support a low-impact, cost-saving way of life. See how much you can reduce your wasteprint and take the One-Week Trash Test using these tips.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American creates about 1,600 pounds of trash per year. That’s nearly half a trillion pounds of garbage turning our Purple Mountain Majesties into Festering Piles of Filth every year! Recycling is not enough… we can do more, and it’s easier than you think to reframe the problem of waste, making choices that support a low-impact, cost-saving way of life. See how much you can reduce your wasteprint and take the One-Week Trash Test using these tips.

Recycle

Whether or not your local trash removal service takes every recyclable item, there are recycling centers in most every major city that will take a good chunk of what we otherwise call trash. If you can’t put all of these items to the curb, then do a little research to see where you can recycle your junk mail, paper bags, boxes, cartons, plastic, glass, aluminum, batteries, electronics, light bulbs, old furniture and appliances. Donate clothing, kitchen items, books and toys to shelters, Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Reuse

Recycling is important and helpful, but it’s not a free ticket to buy/make/use more stuff. Reducing and reusing items keeps them out of landfills and conserves energy used in the recycling process. See how many uses you can get out of plastic bags, glass bottles like pasta sauce, juice bottles, condiment and nut butter jars, paper bags and envelopes before you kick them to the curb.

Compost

More than just food scraps can be composted; and like recycling, if you don’t have a compost setup in your home, there are local places that will gladly take compostables off your hands including paper napkins, lint, matches, coffee grounds, cotton swabs, movie ticket stubs, finger and toenail clippings, teabags, store receipts and shredded cereal boxes.

Avoid

Perhaps the best way to eliminate trash is by not making any in the first place. Items that will lead to trash can be avoided with a little mindfulness when shopping, especially for food.

Skip anything that comes in a package that isn’t recyclable, especially single-serve individually wrapped items such as snack or candy bars.

Buy in bulk: Grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, etc. And bring your own container, too. Same with fruits and veggies—avoid canned or frozen, and bring your own bag to the market.

Opt for a handkerchief instead of using paper towels or facial tissues. Carry several with you wherever you go.

Bring your own containers to restaurants when you know you’re going to have leftovers.

Ask yourself if you really need every item you’re about to purchase during the week, and see if you can’t simply make do with something else you already have.

On day seven, ask yourself, did the week fly by with little hassle? Then keep going and share your success!

Does it gnaw at you to stand in line at the supermarket ashamed that, once again, you forgot your reusable grocery bag? That's just one way in which we find ourselves at the mercy of the Plastic Overlords. There are dozens more ways plastic sneaks into our sanctuary, but you do have the power to make your kitchen plastic free. And it's easier than you think. Read on…

Does it gnaw at you to stand in line at the supermarket ashamed that, once again, you forgot your reusable grocery bag? That’s just one way in which we find ourselves at the mercy of the Plastic Overlords. There are dozens more ways plastic sneaks into our sanctuary, but you do have the power to make your kitchen plastic free. And it’s easier than you think.

1. Leave some extra tote bags in your car. You know you have more than enough of them laying around. So keep a few in the car in case you forget the others at home.

2. Ditch your Tupperware. Well, ok, don’t throw it out, exactly, but stop storing your food in it. Hard plastic can leach BPA (Bisphenol-A), an endocrine disruptor, which is linked to a number of health issues including infertility, neurological disorders and certain types of cancer.

3. Invest in glass. Those glass canning jars are relatively inexpensive and they can actually keep food fresher. Plus, unlike most plastics, you can see through the glass without having to open it to know that you still have that amazing soup from last week.

4. You can use glass jars to buy your bulk foods in, too—just make sure you weigh them before you fill them. Or, if lugging glass to the health food store scares you, invest in cotton or reusable bulk bags.

5. This great tip comes from Allison Rivers Samson, founder of Allison’s Gourmet: Don’t use plastic bags for your produce. Instead, try steaming or blanching all of your delicate veggies as soon as you buy them. Then, store the prepared veggies in glass instead of in plastic produce bags (think kale, broccoli, carrots or other wilt-prone veggies). You can add them to a number of dishes throughout the week with half of the cooking already done!

6. Definitely switch from plastic cutting boards to wood or marble. It’s a better way to avoid bacterial contamination, too.

7. Compost! The more you lessen your trashprint, the fewer garbage bags you’ll need to buy.

8. Recycle and reuse. Sometimes plastic packaging is unavoidable. If it can’t be recycled, see if you can’t use it for a craft, to organize, or serve another kitchen function.

9. Ditch the processed foods. If it comes in a box, chances are there’s an inner plastic liner too. Use it as a rule of thumb for your health and the planet.

Caring for a canine companion is kind of like strapping on parental training wheels and learning all about your capacity for love, tenderness and understanding… not to mention your ability to tolerate randomly flung saliva, projectile vomiting and inappropriate elimination throughout a household that – for many of us -- was once the sole domain of comparably ‘clean’ garden-variety dust. For all of the grimy goobers that they’re responsible for tracking into our homes however, somehow our argh! reaction can be instantly softened to an awww! the moment we notice their glistening rubbery noses enjoying a particularly alluring scent or we catch them spooning an especially treasured plush toy.

Caring for a canine companion is kind of like strapping on parental training wheels and learning all about your capacity for love, tenderness and understanding… not to mention your ability to tolerate randomly flung saliva, projectile vomiting and inappropriate elimination throughout a household that – for many of us — was once the sole domain of comparably ‘clean’ garden-variety dust. For all of the grimy goobers that they’re responsible for tracking into our homes however, somehow our argh! reaction can be instantly softened to an awww! the moment we notice their glistening rubbery noses enjoying a particularly alluring scent or we catch them spooning an especially treasured plush toy.

It sure is a good thing that dogs are so darned cute, because it helps us to deal with the not-so-delightful aspects of canine parenting, such as how to most effectively address their waste. This is particularly important once we emerge beyond the safe haven of our own yards because it is totally NOT cool to leave doggy deposits all willy-nilly near curbs, behind school yards or along hiking paths.

Of course, what dogs eat must ultimately come out, but until man’s best friend experiences an evolutionary tweak that empowers them with the ability to scoop their own poop, that responsibility will continue to be our domain. It’s not so bad, though, especially when the removal device – a.k.a. ‘plastic bag’ – is used as a protective glove. Plastic bag? That hardly sounds eco-friendly. Isn’t everyone using bioplastic bags by now, anyway? They’re so much better for the planet.

Not so fast. Before you stock up on costly yet seemingly ‘greener’ alternatives, please scan the pros and cons of conventional and eco-doggy poop bags below in order to make a more informed choice:

CONVENTIONAL PLASTIC DOG WASTE BAGS

Newly manufactured petroleum-based dog waste bags are a costly product with the same environmental consequences as mainstream one-time-use shopping bags.

Composed of polyethylene – a petroleum and natural gas derivative – these plastic bags release copious amounts of airborne pollutants while consuming a great deal of energy during the manufacturing process.

Scientists say that bags composed of polyethylene likely take as long as 1,000 years to fully decompose, but in the meantime, they readily succumb to solar and environmental factors by breaking down into tiny, toxic-laden bits.

Approximately one million marine creatures and birds then unwittingly munch on these plastic bag bits, ultimately leading to their death. Sadly, even India’s sacred scavenging cows suffer a similar yet equally painful fate.

In spite of all their negative qualities, repurposing previously manufactured bags for dog waste nevertheless creates a practical purpose for something that would otherwise be instantly placed in the garbage. Bags to consider: What your newspaper is delivered in, spent zip top pouches used for countless grocery and consumer items, once-used lunchtime snack bags, etc.

COMPOSTABLE BIO-PLASTIC DOG WASTE BAGS

Bio Buddy, a leading manufacturer of canine poop bags, acknowledges that “there is no perfect dog waste bag, bioplastic or otherwise.”

The material used to make eco-friendly dog waste bags varies widely, from BioBag’s starch and agricultural plant-based version to BioBuddy’s 100% recycled post-industrial low density thermoplastic and FlushDoggy’s water soluble polyvinyl alcohol-based offering.

As green as the above choices may be (compared to conventional plastic options), studies have proven that due to typical landfill conditions that are absent of oxygen and the anaerobic microorganisms necessary to aid natural degradation, eco-dog waste bags simply don’t break down.

Compostable and biodegradable dog waste bags would really have to be exposed to a steady 140 degree heat for the magic to really happen.

Nevertheless, these types of dog waste bags are still a viable option for consumers who continue taking active (and sustainable) steps to reduce their personal carbon footprint since in most cases, they are petroleum-free.

HMMM… I’M NOT SURE I LIKE EITHER CHOICE

Steer clear of both conventional and bioplastic dog waste bags by embracing old fashioned yet still effective alternatives.

Don’t like the idea of wrapping a layer of waste around your dog’s waste? Then consider using a bag-free pooper scooper, which removes bending from the equation altogether.

Other readily available, biodegradable options include using recycled newspaper/magazine pages, leaves (for petite pooches) or scooping up waste with a recyclable and easily washable 32 ounce plastic yogurt container. An 8 ounce cup happens to be ideal for a teeny-tiny pup.

Want a practically free option? Use a rubber-gloved hand and fling your doggie’s deposit directly into the nearest trash can!

Heard any good eco-curse words lately? Oh yes you have. Take ‘fracking’, for instance. It’s the perfect stress-relieving pseudo-expletive to hurl at someone who gets your goose in a gander, conveying equal parts environmental frustration and linguistical ‘grrrrrr’ without running the risk of offending your grandmother. Technically referring to the natural gas extraction process that contaminates water reserves while also triggering other assorted negative eco-consequences, there’s no frackin’ way that another vulgarity could come close to making greenies rise up and pound their chests in solidarity.

Heard any good eco-curse words lately? Oh yes you have. Take ‘fracking’, for instance. It’s the perfect stress-relieving pseudo-expletive to hurl at someone who gets your goose in a gander, conveying equal parts environmental frustration and linguistical ‘grrrrrr’ without running the risk of offending your grandmother. Technically referring to the natural gas extraction process that contaminates water reserves while also triggering other assorted negative eco-consequences, there’s no frackin’ way that another vulgarity could come close to making greenies rise up and pound their chests in solidarity.

On second thought, there are two little words that get environmentalists equally riled up. Drumroll please. Wait for it… ‘plastic bags’. Utter those two words in front of an eco-sympathizer and you’ll immediately witness two puffs of smoke emanating from their recently neti-pot-irrigated nostrils followed by a couple of scary looking miniature Samurai swords hatcheting rather intimidatingly through their nasal cilia. For the record, greenies are thoroughly capable of making anyone shake in their boots if sufficiently provoked.

What’s with all the plastic bag hatin’, though? Easily totable, infinitely disposable sacks have actually made our lives far more convenient, enabling us to comfortably carry oodles of goodies in bulk rather than stacking just a few choice items in our outstretched hands (with strategic chin support thrown in for good measure). Shouldn’t we be erecting monuments and celebrating a yearly national holiday in their honor?

Oh. I forgot. It’s what they’re actually made of that gets people all worked up. Ethylene monomer chains, which is just a fancy term for petroleum-based plastic. Drats. That stuff really really wreacks havoc on the environment. Scientists suggest that it takes an estimated thousand years for one frackin’ bag to fully break down… but in the meantime, upon being exposed to water and sun, miniscule bits of plastic end up infiltrating our oceans and then are accidentally consumed by marine life.

It really hits home when you see photographic proof of the plastic ‘garbage soup’ that’s churning away in the North Pacific Sub-tropical Gyre, but for those who need more convincing of why they should give a frack, the proof is in your sushi… and your fish sticks. Studies have found that various types of plankton-eating critters (that regularly munch on plastic bits since they’re a dead ringer for their favorite food) end up harboring carcinogenic dioxins, metals and – yes – notorious, hormone-disrupting Bisphenol A – in their flesh. You don’t really want that tuna sammie now, do you?

While plastic bag bans and taxes have gone into effect nationally (in parts of Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, Texas and Washington) and internationally (Australia, Belgium, China, France, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, etc.), the world is a large place. In spite of the notable progress, they’re still such an integral part of our lives.

If you’re still guiltily clinging to the plastic bag demons stashed away under your kitchen sink and would like a bit of clever, crafty inspiration to keep them out of the landfill (and far, far away from the ocean), you’re in luck. These off-the-beaten path plastic bag repurposing ideas are worth their weight in gold, or at the very least, ‘green’:

Transforming old plastic shopping bags into children’s building blocks is pretty cool, but Gert de Mulder raises the bar with his design-worthy Recy-Blocks which can be used to construct real-world dwellings.

Heard any good eco-curse words lately? Oh yes you have. Take ‘fracking’, for instance. It’s the perfect stress-relieving pseudo-expletive to hurl at someone who gets your goose in a gander, conveying equal parts environmental frustration and linguistical ‘grrrrrr’ without running the risk of offending your grandmother. Technically referring to the natural gas extraction process that contaminates water reserves while also triggering other assorted negative eco-consequences, there’s no frackin’ way that another vulgarity could come close to making greenies rise up and pound their chests in solidarity.

Earth Day is here! This is the time of the year that we look back and reflect on some of the decisions we have made, and learn how to make simple changes that can make the world a more sustainable place. We have gathered five great articles that can make it easy and fun to make your life greener, and why you don't need paper towels or plastic bags to clean or carry. Make a vow to do something different this year and tell us your #EDResolution on Twitter or Facebook! Additionally, the Nature Conservancy has given us their Top 5 Earth Day Action List: Eat Smart, Eat Local, Eat Sustainably, Eat Green, and Eat Out! Go green!

Earth Day is here! This is the time of the year that we look back and reflect on some of the decisions we have made, and learn how to make simple changes that can make the world a more sustainable place in the future. We have gathered five great articles that can make it easy and fun to make your life greener, and why you don’t need paper towels or plastic bags to clean or carry. Make a vow to do something different this year and tell us your #EDResolution on Twitter or Facebook! Additionally, the Nature Conservancy has given us their Top 5 Earth Day Action List: Eat Smart, Eat Local, Eat Sustainably, Eat Green, and how to Picnic for the Planet! Go green!

How To Live Without Paper Towels

Oh the simplicity of ripping off a paper towel square, swiping up a mess and tossing the whole glob into the trash.

The ease of the paper towel can quickly overpower your eco-conscience until you unthinkingly grab for one after every little spill. Suddenly you’re creating mini mountains of used paper towels in your trash can after every dusting session or bathroom cleaning. Read how to live without paper towels.

An Eco Chic Earth Day Party

Historically, there have been some pretty bizarre party themes. “A Redneck Birthday,” “A Pimpin’ Christmas” and even an “Anything But Clothes” party has been thrown. But one event that people don’t always think to celebrate with a party – creatively, nonetheless – is Earth Day.

That’s about to change. We’ve put together five rockin’ ways to save the planet, all while hosting a killer party. Complete with food, drink and even a fashion show, these party themes leave no excuse to skip Earth Day… and leave you counting down the days until your next party. Read how to throw and Eco Chic Earth Day Party.

Worm Composting

Laura made a great video on how to start your own worm compostat home! Many people might think this is gross, but it’s really not. It’s actually really cool seeing all those worms go to town on your compost. When Laura started composting years ago she reduced their trash output by three quarters of its normal size. And your garden will love you for the worm tea! Read about how to worm compost at home!

Earth Day: Does Planting A Tree Really Make A Difference?

As Earth Day nears, questions often arise about what actions really have an impact. Does planting a tree really make a difference? The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) thinks so. Their mission is simple: Plant fruit trees for a healthy planet. Fruit trees clean the air, water and soil; they provide healthy, nutritious food, shade, and encourage communities to work together much like the thriving ecosystems found in fruit tree orchards. Read more about planting a tree for Earth Day.

How to Live Without Plastic Bags

In a plastic-dominated world, it’s hard to imagine doing everyday tasks completely plastic-bag free. But you can do it! And the environment will thank you for it.

Plastic bags are incredibly harmful to the environment: One plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to degrade and remains toxic even after it breaks down, according to reuseit.com, a company that sells reusable bags and educates consumers on how to live plastic-free. Read more about how to really live without plastic bags. It can be done!

In a plastic-dominated world, it’s hard to imagine doing everyday tasks completely plastic-bag free. But you can do it! And the environment will thank you for it.

Plastic bags are incredibly harmful to the environment: One plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to degrade and remains toxic even after it breaks down, according to reuseit.com, a company that sells reusable bags and educates consumers on how to live plastic-free.

Why contribute to harming the earth? Follow these simple tips on how to live without plastic bags and you’ll wonder why you ever thought you needed them anyway.

In a plastic-dominated world, it’s hard to imagine doing everyday tasks completely plastic-bag free. But you can do it! And the environment will thank you for it.

Plastic bags are incredibly harmful to the environment: One plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to degrade and remains toxic even after it breaks down, according to reuseit.com, a company that sells reusable bags and educates consumers on how to live plastic-free.

Think about all of the ways you use plastic bags. Do you use sandwich bags to store leftover food in the refrigerator or to store a to-go lunch? Do you use trash bags to line trashcans throughout the home? Do you use single-use plastic bags to carry your groceries home from the store? You can easily eliminate all of these plastic bag uses.

Step 2: Take action.

Recycle the plastic bags you already have and start from scratch.

Replace single-use plastic bags with reusable bags.

Store reusable bags in the trunk of your car, so they will always be on hand for a grocery store run or a spontaneous shopping trip.

I’m always amazed how few people use reusable bags at the grocery store. From a practicality standpoint, canvas bags are sturdier and can hold more items than flimsy plastic bags. While other shoppers waste time struggling to load their multitudes of plastic bags into their carts, I sling my canvas bag over my shoulder and walk out the door. Fast. Simple. And no need to even deal with a cart.

You can have fun with reusable bags too. If you already own a few large purses or tote bags that you wouldn’t mind repurposing, why not use those instead of purchasing new reusable bags?

Use other storage containers in place of Ziploc-type bags.

Instead of storing dinner leftovers in plastic bags or using them to transport lunch to school or work, use other containers. If you already own Tupperware, use them to store food items. But don’t buy new plastic Tupperware. Reuse containers already in your home for safe and eco-friendly food storage. For example, save glass pickle jars and plastic tubs that sour cream and other foods go in. These containers are just as easy to store food in and will also save you money on buying plastic bags.

Use other methods to contain trash or don’t bag trashcans at all.

Instead of buying trash bags, use paper bags or other bags you already bring into your home to hold trash. For example, the large bags that dog food comes in work great as trash bags. You’re going to throw them away any way, may as well reuse them.

Is it really that big of a deal to just throw trash straight into the trashcan? If you’re worried about a mess, as a trashcan, it’s bound to get dirty anyway. If something leaks and some gunk gets on the bottom of the can, just hose it off. Cleaning out the trashcan is a small annoyance to deal with for creating a healthier planet.

Step 3: Stick with it.

Adjusting to plastic-bag free living may take time, but you can do it. Reward yourself for good plastic bag behavior with a treat or a bunch of fresh flowers. And feel good about yourself for reducing your carbon footprint.

Sixty-seven supermarket and pharmacy chains are considering whether or not to seek a block on the ban of plastic bags that passed on November 16th in Los Angeles County.

The ban would not only prohibit the use of plastic bags in more than 1,000 stores in Los Angeles by January, 2012, but it would also include a steep 10-cent surcharge on all paper bags used in place of plastic, encouraging shoppers to bring their own reusables or simply go without. Malibu and the ever-progressive San Francisco have also banned plastic bags from being used by retailers, but neither city has instituted the paper surcharge.

Sixty-seven supermarket and pharmacy chains are considering whether or not to seek a block on the ban of plastic bags that passed on November 16th in Los Angeles County.

The ban would not only prohibit the use of plastic bags in more than 1,000 stores in Los Angeles by January, 2012, but it would also include a steep 10-cent surcharge on all paper bags used in place of plastic, encouraging shoppers to bring their own reusables or simply go without. Malibu and the ever-progressive San Francisco have also banned plastic bags from being used by retailers, but neither city has instituted the paper surcharge.

In Los Angeles County, more than 6 billion single-use plastic bags are used each year, which averages out to more than four bags per day per household, with only 5% being recycled.

Unprecedented plastic deposits like the puzzling Great Pacific Garbage Patch–a swirling heap of plastic twice the size of Texas floating in the middle of the Pacific ocean–has illuminated the problem with our excessive plastic dependency. The long-term effects of slow to breakdown plastic products are simply impossible to know, but at the very least, scientists are suggesting they will be devastating.

Speaking to the LA Times, Ralphs spokeswomen, Kendra Dovel said, “A statewide answer would have been a nice thing.” She’s referring to the proposed statewide plastic bag ban, which failed last August. While there is already quite a groundswell of support and praise for the Los Angeles ban, environmentalists are still hoping to get the state ban passed and be able to send a much stronger message to consumers and especially to retailers who still use plastic.

Nonetheless, the Los Angeles ban highlights the city’s commitment to becoming greener, and offers renewed hope to environmentalists around the world, who see this as Hollywood’s nod to responsible consumerism. The ban will be instrumental in ushering in a new era of consciousness, one where although we may still carry our baggage with us wherever we go, there’s going to be considerably less of it.

]]>http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/political-action/plastic-bags-banned-in-la-paper-bag-surcharge/feed/76 Tips on How to Adjust to Life After Plastic Bagshttp://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/6-tips-on-how-to-adjust-to-life-after-plastic-bags.html
http://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/6-tips-on-how-to-adjust-to-life-after-plastic-bags.html#commentsWed, 22 Sep 2010 12:08:30 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/s2-sanctuary/c5-sanctuary/6-tips-on-how-to-adjust-to-life-after-plastic-bags/

California tried, but earlier this month, the state Senate did not ban single-use plastic bags from use by state retailers. There are at least nineteen billion reasons why they should have been (that's how many plastic bags Californians use each year), but even more reasons (read: lobbyists) that they weren't.

California tried, but earlier this month, the state Senate did not ban single-use plastic bags from use by state retailers. There are at least nineteen billion reasons why they should have been (that’s how many plastic bags Californians use each year), but even more reasons (read: lobbyists) that they weren’t.

If you’re not sure what’s so wrong with plastic bags in the first place, the situation is this: about 50 million or so years ago, people were not people, but big ugly dinosaurs. Some were kind of cute, but most not so much. It didn’t matter though because they all died and turned into big pools of underground oil, which we now lap up like it’s free champagne at the office Christmas party. These dead dinosaurs cause wars, destroy the environment and are turned into plastic, especially bags, which collate out in the Pacific ocean creating a massive garbage heap twice the size of Texas.

The late, great comedian, George Carlin, once suggested that perhaps humankind’s sole purpose is to make plastic, since nature can’t seem to do it on her own. I say we’re creating new dinosaurs out of old dinosaurs and the best way to make sure plastic bags do see extinction is by not using them at all. Here are some tips:

1. You hear it all the time, but, seriously, bring your own bag. Do it! Canvas is sturdier anyway. No, you won’t look like a hippie.

2. Don’t buy things that come in plastic bags, especially if it’s food. You know that stuff’s bad for you. Buy a banana and call it a day.

3. Why is it so hard to just carry stuff? You buy 3 books and a calendar—do you really need a bag to carry it in? Geesh.

4. Reuse the ones you have. Double bag if you need to, but use them until they’re useless. Then, opt for non-plastic options.

6. Talk about it. People are much more open-minded than we often give them credit for. Some just don’t have the time to comprehend why we need to get off of plastic. It’s understandable. Don’t judge. Help and share. That’s how the world becomes a better place.

]]>http://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/6-tips-on-how-to-adjust-to-life-after-plastic-bags.html/feed/0Supermarket in DC Bans Water Bottleshttp://www.organicauthority.com/blog/the-environment/supermarket-in-dc-bans-water-bottles/
http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/the-environment/supermarket-in-dc-bans-water-bottles/#commentsTue, 22 Jun 2010 14:55:39 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/?p=7397Plastic bottles are bad news. Sure, the water inside might be from a “natural spring” but the bottle itself is risky business.

You can find a lot of nasty stuff in plastics used to package our foods, such as water bottles. The most notorious is BPA - short for Bisphenol A - a compound used to make plastic, which has been linked to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurological disorders in fetuses, infants, and young children.

Not to mention all this plastic is polluting our planet by clogging up landfills and floating around our ocean, like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch; a giant island of trash and plastic roughly the size of Texas in the North Pacific Ocean.

But one Washington, DC supermarket is doing its part to cut out plastic, banning water bottles from sale in its six regional supermarkets.

MOM's Organic Market has launched its “Battle the Bottle” campaign, kicking plastic water bottles out of stores. And instead MOM's will be installing water filtration machines in stores, allowing shoppers to refill their own bottles for free, but only up to one gallon. The filters will be up and running in a few weeks.

A spokesperson for MOM's said, “Societies are truly addicted to plastic, much in the way we are addicted to oil.

MOM's campaign is in support of DC's anti-plastic push. The city already adds a 5-cent tax on plastic bags, which has slashed their use dramatically.

I shop with the reusable bags and when I moved I used any plastic bags I did have for box stuffing. I'm a genius!

]]>Plastic bottles are bad news. Sure, the water inside might be from a “natural spring” but the bottle itself is risky business.

You can find a lot of nasty stuff in plastics used to package our foods, such as water bottles. The most notorious is BPA – short for Bisphenol A – a compound used to make plastic, which has been linked to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurological disorders in fetuses, infants, and young children.

Not to mention all this plastic is polluting our planet by clogging up landfills and floating around our ocean, like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch; a giant island of trash and plastic roughly the size of Texas in the North Pacific Ocean.

But one Washington, DC supermarket is doing its part to cut out plastic, banning water bottles from sale in its six regional supermarkets.

MOM’s Organic Market has launched its “Battle the Bottle” campaign, kicking plastic water bottles out of stores. And instead MOM’s will be installing water filtration machines in stores, allowing shoppers to refill their own bottles for free, but only up to one gallon. The filters will be up and running in a few weeks.

A spokesperson for MOM’s said, “Societies are truly addicted to plastic, much in the way we are addicted to oil.

MOM’s campaign is in support of DC’s anti-plastic push. The city already adds a 5-cent tax on plastic bags, which has slashed their use dramatically.

I shop with the reusable bags and when I moved I used any plastic bags I did have for box stuffing. I’m a genius!

]]>http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/the-environment/supermarket-in-dc-bans-water-bottles/feed/1Is That Reusable Shopping Bag Really Green?http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/the-environment/is-that-reusable-shopping-bag-really-green/
http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/the-environment/is-that-reusable-shopping-bag-really-green/#commentsMon, 06 Apr 2009 10:08:12 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/?p=3207I’m 27-years old, tattooed and pierced and apparently I don’t look like the sort of person that would use reusable shopping bags, but I do, and I sometimes get funny remarks from cashiers. One even said, “Wow, a man, a young man even, using these bags. I’ve never seen that.”

Reusable fabric bags are most commonly made from cotton, but the cotton-farming process is extremely fossil-fuel-intensive because of the machinery involved.

According to the Pesticide Action Network of North America (PANNA) conventionally grown cotton uses more insecticides than any other single crop. Worldwide, cotton growers use more than 10 percent of the world's pesticides and nearly 25 percent of the world's insecticides.

Cotton is also responsible for 25 percent of all chemical pesticides — insecticides, fungicides and herbicides — used on American crops. Chemical fertilizers are used to enrich the soil.

Well, then, what about organic cotton? Those crops generally yield less usable fiber, which means an organic farmer needs more land to make a profit.

Most of the cotton grocery bags are woven outside the U.S. where labor is less costly, but that increases the use of fossil fuels in getting them from the factory to these shores.

]]>I’m 27-years old, tattooed and pierced and apparently I don’t look like the sort of person that would use reusable shopping bags, but I do, and I sometimes get funny remarks from cashiers. One even said, “Wow, a man, a young man even, using these bags. I’ve never seen that.”

Reusable fabric bags are most commonly made from cotton, but the cotton-farming process is extremely fossil-fuel-intensive because of the machinery involved.

According to the Pesticide Action Network of North America (PANNA) conventionally grown cotton uses more insecticides than any other single crop. Worldwide, cotton growers use more than 10 percent of the world’s pesticides and nearly 25 percent of the world’s insecticides.

Cotton is also responsible for 25 percent of all chemical pesticides — insecticides, fungicides and herbicides — used on American crops. Chemical fertilizers are used to enrich the soil.

Well, then, what about organic cotton? Those crops generally yield less usable fiber, which means an organic farmer needs more land to make a profit.

Most of the cotton grocery bags are woven outside the U.S. where labor is less costly, but that increases the use of fossil fuels in getting them from the factory to these shores.

]]>http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/world-tour-of-recycling-bins/feed/0Washington, D.C. Debates Fee for Paper, Plastic Bagshttp://www.organicauthority.com/blog/the-environment/washington-dc-debates-fee-for-paper-plastic-bags/
http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/the-environment/washington-dc-debates-fee-for-paper-plastic-bags/#commentsFri, 06 Mar 2009 11:30:18 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/?p=2898I eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. So I’m at the supermarket fairly often and I always bring my reusable bags with me. But I still see plenty of people opting for plastic shopping bags, even double bagging it.

Now, I’m no eco-fascist. I wish people didn’t use them, but it’s their choice. So I don’t preach. I just hope they’ll change their mind some day, but many cities are being more proactive.

Our nation’s capital isn’t the first to crack down on plastic bags. Last year, San Francisco banned plastic shopping bags and Seattle legislators are now looking to charge 20 cents for each paper or plastic bag; ENN reports.

]]>I eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. So I’m at the supermarket fairly often and I always bring my reusable bags with me. But I still see plenty of people opting for plastic shopping bags, even double bagging it.

Now, I’m no eco-fascist. I wish people didn’t use them, but it’s their choice. So I don’t preach. I just hope they’ll change their mind some day, but many cities are being more proactive.

Our nation’s capital isn’t the first to crack down on plastic bags. Last year, San Francisco banned plastic shopping bags and Seattle legislators are now looking to charge 20 cents for each paper or plastic bag; ENN reports.